Verna Zimmerman, nee Barry, has experienced an incredible list of sights and sounds in her lifetime, and with her 100th birthday approaching, she is ready to collect a few more stories in the future.
Born on Nov. 29, 1919, to parents Bertha and Russ Barry, Zimmerman grew up on a farm just one mile (1.6 kilometres) west of Tuxford with her older sister Norma.
Zimmerman has fond memories of growing up as a rural girl, running through wheat fields that towered over her and her sister’s heads, playing softball in the summer and skating in the winter, and learning to bake with her mother.
After taking her Grade 12 year and graduating from Central Collegiate in Moose Jaw, Zimmerman set out for Assiniboia to complete her commercial secretarial diploma in 1938, just before the Second World War broke out in 1939.
During the war, Zimmerman worked as a mail clerk at the Robert Simpson Mail Order house in Regina, before returning to Moose Jaw to become a stenographer at Eaton’s Department Store.
Her move back to Moose Jaw came at a perfect time, as she met the love of her life at a dance in 1941. Henry (Hank) Zimmerman asked her to marry him just two years later, and the two were wed on June 6, 1944. Their son, Randy, was born in 1950 and their daughter, Bev, in 1954.
Verna travelled all over with her family, creating wonderful memories that remain some of her favourites.
The family remained in Moose Jaw, making the city their home. Verna became a real estate agent in 1978, building some great success for the few years she worked with Century 21.
Hank died in 1999, and Verna moved into Chez Nous Senior Citizens Home after having hip surgery at the age of 91, where she has continued to reside.
Verna has always been a strong member of the church, beginning with her involvement with the church choir in Tuxford growing up and continuing with her and her husband’s time as members of Zion United Church.
As a former member of church council and a life member of the United Church Women, Verna has remained close with her faith all her life and become an important member of the United Church community.
She has watched many changes in the world throughout her years, including the growth of her family as her children and grandchildren married and had kids of their own.
When her daughter asked what she would say gave her with such a long and beautiful life, Verna was very clear.
“(Being) strong in faith, living a healthy life, and always keeping close contact with family and friends,” said Verna.
Verna will celebrate her 100th birthday with family, followed by a tea on Nov. 30 at Chez Nous, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
